 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collecting and Shipping the Sample Always check for any specific requirements of the particular laboratory you will be using. Sample requirements
Blood draw This is usually accomplished at the referring physician's office or convenient outpatient lab. Each tube should be labeled with the date and patient name. Blood should be drawn into the purple-top tubes and the tubes inverted to mix. Handling and packaging of the sample Keep the sample at room temperature. Never freeze it. If shipment is not possible for a day or two (eg. over a weekend), store the tubes at room temperature in a safe place. Blood samples remain acceptable for testing for several days. Place the tubes in a Styrofoam box or other container offering protection and tape shut. Place the container in a zip lock plastic bag along with any paperwork required by the lab. Package in a mailer or larger box and attach mailing label. Shipping Send the package by overnight mail (eg. Federal Express, Airborne etc.). Specifying morning delivery is often helpful to the laboratory. If the laboratory is local, sample pickup by a courier can usually be arranged. Annette K. Taylor, M.S., Ph.D. |
As a general rule, the sample requirements for fragile X testing are ~10 ml fresh blood drawn into a purple
-top (EDTA) tube (~3 ml is a minimum requirement, eg. for infants). EDTA is a chemical that helps preserve the blood and prevents it from clotting. Many labs will send 'kits' (purple-top tubes, Styrofoam containers and
paperwork) in advance if requested. For prenatal testing, phone the laboratory to determine specific requirements. Testing can be performed after amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling on a direct sample and cultured cells. |
|
|
 |
||
 |
||
|
|
|
© copyright 1998-2008 NFXF |